Registered voters can now take advantage of early voting at county courthouses and designated satellite precincts across West Virginia this morning.

Early voting for the 2018 primary election opens today and ends Saturday, May 5th. County early voting locations are open during regular courthouse business hours during the week, and open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In Harrison County, there are 43,055 registered voters. All of them are eligible to vote early at the Harrison County courthouse, the Meadowbrook Mall or the old Mt. State Dermatology Building on Emily Drive across the street from Primanti Brothers.

Republicans and Democrats in Harrison County will nominate candidates for the U.S. Senate, 1st District Congress, State Senate and House of Delegates.

No Republican filed to run for a seat on the Harrison County Commission. That means that whichever Democrat candidate wins the Primary will be unopposed in the November General Election. Current Commissioner Bernie Fazzini is seeking re-election to another 6-year term. Former Delegate Ron Fragale, a retired educator and former Delegate Patsy Trecost are running against Fazzini.

Fazzini's time on the County Commission has been fraught with ethics violations from improper travel. He was sanctioned by the WV Ethics Commission and paid a fine to settle charges against him.

Independent voters and voters with no party affiliation can request either a Democrat or Election ballot in the May 8th Primary. There are no Libertarian or Mountain Party candidates running this election.

In non-partisan races in Harrison County all voters, regardless of party or affiliation, will elect three members to the Board of Education and one magistrate.

"Early voting is a great way to get out there and use your voice," said Secretary of State Mac Warner. "Early voting gives citizens an easy and convenient way to cast their ballot. Our Elections Division, our county clerks, their staff, and our poll workers stand ready to make it easy to vote and hard to cheat."

There are 1,227,600 registered voters in West Virginia as of April 17th, the final day to register to vote in the May 8th primary. Of that total, 42.76 percent are registered with the Democratic Party; Republicans make up 32 percent; .17 percent are Mountain Party members; .48 percent are with the Libertarian Party; 21.80 percent are unaffiliated; and 2.79 percent are registered with minor parties.

This is the first statewide election taking place that will require voters to show a form of identification at the polls. Voters will need to show one of 17 forms of acceptable ID.

The Secretary of State's Elections Division reminds voters that if they see something at the polls that doesn't look right, say something. Just call our Election Fraud Tip Line at 1-877-FRAUD-WV to report any suspicious activity.

Voters looking for more information on Voter ID, needing help finding their polling place, or tracking an absentee or provisional ballot can go to GoVoteWV.com.